21/04/2026
Team ACT Delivers Outstanding Results at the 2026 JKF Gojukai Australia National Championships
The ACT representatives delivered an exceptional performance at the JKF Gojukai Australia National Championships on Sunday, showcasing not only strong results but also composure, technical skill, and fighting spirit across all divisions.
Against a high calibre field of competitors from leading JKF Gojukai clubs across Australia, our team rose to the occasion. The event was conducted under elite-level refereeing and judging, with experienced and highly respected officials ensuring a professional and uncompromising standard throughout.
Standout Performances & Results
Our youngest competitors set the tone early, demonstrating confidence well beyond their years:
Jayden Ray Brillante claimed an impressive 2nd place in the Mixed 7 Years & Under Kata division.
In the highly competitive girls’ divisions, ACT athletes dominated:
Eva Stefanovic secured the title of National Champion in Girls 8–9 Years Kata (10th–8th Kyu) and added a 3rd place finish in Kumite.
Sadie Swan achieved National Champion status in Girls 8–9 Years Kata (7th–5th Kyu) and backed it up with a 2nd place in Kumite.
Strong performances continued in the older junior divisions:
Akira Khanna earned a well-deserved 3rd place in Girls 10–11 Years Kata.
Our senior and veteran competitors demonstrated experience and resilience:
Toy Drake secured 3rd place in Veterans Female Kata 40+.
Ben Brillante Sensei achieved 2nd place in Veterans Male Kumite 40+ and reached the final in the highly competitive Male Open Kata (Black Belt) division.
Andrew Drake also reached the final in Veterans Male Kata 50+.
In the open male divisions, ACT athletes continued to impress:
Lachlan Emslie earned 2nd place in Male Open Kata (10th–5th Kyu) and 3rd place in Male Open Kumite (+75kg, non-black belt).
Recognition of All Competitors
A sincere congratulations also goes to those who stepped onto the mat and gave their absolute best on the day. Representing the ACT at this level requires courage, preparation, and commitment:
Maryna Pinayeva, who competed strongly in the 12–13 Years divisions.
Ben Thornton, who represented the ACT in both Male Open Kata and Kumite.
Your willingness to challenge yourselves in such a competitive environment reflects the true spirit of karate and contributes greatly to the strength and unity of our team.
A Remarkable Team Effort
These results reflect more than just podium finishes. They highlight:
The depth of talent within our ACT team
The quality of preparation and coaching
The ability to perform under pressure in a national-level competitive environment
From our youngest athletes stepping onto the mat for the first time, to our experienced competitors performing at an elite level, every representative contributed to what was an outstanding showing for the ACT.
This was a performance defined not only by medals, but by spirit, discipline, and the standard of karate demonstrated across the board.
